Describe something you would like to learn: cue card and sample answer

Cue card

Describe a skill you would like to learn in the future.

You should say:

what the skill is
how you would learn it
how difficult you think it would be

and explain why you want to learn it.

You have one minute to prepare and should speak for one to two minutes.

Try it before you read the sample. Answer this card out loud with our AI examiner and get an estimated band.

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Sample answer

About 251 words, or roughly two minutes of speaking.

A skill I'd really like to learn in the future is how to play the piano.

I've always loved music, but I never had the chance to learn an instrument as a child, because lessons were expensive and we didn't have space for a piano at home. Now that I'm working and have a bit more money and time, I feel it's something I should finally do.

I think I'd learn through a combination of approaches. I'd start with a digital keyboard, which is much cheaper and smaller than a real piano, and I'd use one of the apps that listen to you play and tell you when you hit a wrong note. But I'd also want a proper teacher, at least once a fortnight, because I know from other skills that it's easy to develop bad habits if nobody's correcting you.

As for how difficult it would be, I suspect it would be quite a challenge. People say it's harder to learn an instrument as an adult, and I'd need to practise regularly, which isn't easy with a full-time job. Coordinating both hands also looks very tricky. But I'm not aiming to become a concert pianist; I'd just like to be able to play a few of my favourite songs well. The main reason I want to learn is that I think it would be a great way to relax after work, rather than scrolling through my phone. And I've read that learning music is good for the brain, too.

Why this works: it covers every point on the card in order, gives specific details and a short story rather than general statements, and ends by explaining the feeling or reason, which the last line of the card asks for.

Useful vocabulary

never had the chance: did not have the opportunity
a combination of approaches: several methods used together
develop bad habits: start doing something the wrong way repeatedly
quite a challenge: fairly difficult
tricky: difficult and needing care
scroll through your phone: to look through content on a phone without purpose

Rounding-off question

After you finish, the examiner may ask one short question, such as:

Do you usually learn new things quickly?

Part 3 questions: Learning as an adult

In Part 3, the examiner asks more abstract questions linked to the cue card topic. Give an opinion, explain why, and add an example.

Is it harder to learn new things as you get older?

In some ways, yes. Children seem to pick up languages and physical skills more easily, and adults have less free time. But adults have advantages too; they're often more motivated and better at planning how to learn, so they can make faster progress in the early stages.

Should employers pay for their staff to learn new skills?

I think it's in their interest to. Training makes employees more productive and more likely to stay with the company. The only risk for employers is that staff leave after being trained, which is why some companies ask employees to stay for a certain period afterwards.

Now say it out loud

Reading a good answer helps, but speaking is what improves your band. This set includes this cue card, Part 1 questions on hobbies and noise, and a Part 3 discussion.

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This sample answer was written by TestWise Prep to show language that scores well. It is not official IELTS material. Use it for ideas, not to memorise, because examiners mark rehearsed answers down.